Article
Phenomenological considerations on empathy and emotions in psychotherapy
Registro en:
10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1000059
16641078
Autor
Irarrázaval, Leonor
Kalawski, Juan Pablo
Institución
Resumen
In this article we will present a phenomenological approach to empathy and its relationship with emotions in the context of psychotherapy, highlighting the importance of empathy as a key element of the therapist-client relationship and therapeutic process, regardless of the therapist’s approach. We will use a consensus definition of empathy taken from phenomenologically oriented philosophy to analyze therapist’s empathy, as well as client’s self-empathy and client’s empathic communication with others. We will discuss emotions as they usually manifest in the context of psychotherapy, specifically describing how certain emotions can disturb empathic communication in close personal relationships and how it is possible to reestablish empathic communication in psychotherapy. This article it is not only based on evidence from scientific literature but also incorporates the authors’ practical knowledge of psychotherapy. Copyright © 2022 Irarrázaval and Kalawski. Chilean National Research and Development Agency; Universidad de las Américas Puebla, UDLAP; Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico, FONDECYT, (11200138); Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo, ANID